Stemless valve



Sept. 27, 1949. D. c. KIRBY, JR 2,482,730

STEMLESS VALVE Filed June 18, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 DAV/52C. K/RBY, JR.

Sept 27, 1949.

D. c. KIRBY, JR

' STEMLESS VALVE Filed June 18, 1946 I FIG.

spaced rings 33, 34 and 35, the rings reinforcing the bellows structure according to the internal pressure conditions which may be encountered. It will be apparent that in the use of this valve in lines where the internal pressure is less than atmospheric pressure (1. e. vacuum) the rings 33, 34 and 35 may be installed within the bellows in the outermost convolutions thereof.

In use, this device may be installed in a fluid pressure line in a manner similar to the conventional valve constructions whereby the threaded portion of end members l and Il may be suitably coupled to the line to provide a fluid seal. Thereupon, with the valve closed, and the double seats 19-20 and 2I22 in closed position, fluid flow through the valve is effectively prevented. In order to open the valve the housing I9 is manually ii; is manually grasped and bodily rotated about its center as an axis. This rotation is permitted by the manner in which the end plates l4. and I5 are secured to the end conduit members it and H as aforesaid. Upon bodily rotation of the housing [8 the web 25, which is externally threaded within the interior of the housing l8 and is retained stationary by its connection with the associated parts, is caused to move axially, which movement is accommodated by the bellows 3| so that no leakage there occurs and the movement bears with it the second valve head 23 so that it moves axially away from the valve head 20 and separates the seats 2i and 22. This permits fluid flow to pass between the spaced posts 32 and between the seats 2| and 22 to the still closed seats [9 and 20.

Continued rotation of the housing l8 moves the web 25 and associated structures to the right, widening the gap between seats 2| and 22 until, at the limit of control, the edge of seat 22 strikes the undersurface of the in-turned head on stop 3%, and thereafter, continues rotation of the housing carrying the valve head 20 to the right, separating the seat portions l9 and 2B and permitting the fluid to thus pass between and on out through the fluid conduit II].

It will be apparent that leakage during the above operation is effectively prevented by the bellows 2i and 28 which are connected to the relatively movable parts to accommodate axial movement thereof and since they are securely fastened as by solder at each end there is no possibility of a leakage at this point.

It will readily be apparent'tl'lat with a construction of the character hereinsetforth wherein the assembled parts are at all times assembled within seals, flexible metallic bellows members the possibility of a leakage is effectively prevented and the difliculty encountered with prior stem valve types are overcome.

Of course, if desired, a single valve head may be employed for applicants purpose or if even greater sealed positive flow control is essential even more valve heads may be used than is herein used. Such additional valve heads being coupled in the manner illustrated by manual operation of the housing 18. Of course, where desired the housing It; may have an outer surface which is knurled or otherwise machined to enable it easily to be grasped and operated or in some instances it may be desirable to use a separate prime mover suitable for the purpose of rotating this housing.

While a particular embodiment of the invention is shown, it will be understood, of course, that it is not desired to be limited thereto since many modifications may bemade, and it is there- 4. fore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor,

What I claim as new is:

1. A fluid flow control device comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flow control valve disposed between said inlet and said outlet, said valve including a seat portion and a relatively movable plug member, the plug being non-rotatably secured for separation and approachment, a flexible bellows sealing means enclosing therelatively movable parts in hermetically sealed relationship, and a casing surrounding said valve and valve sealing members, said casing being bodily rotatable to move the separable portions into and out of engagement.

2. A fluid flow control member comprising a pair of open ended coupling conduits, and fluid flow control means therebetween, said fluid flow control means including a seat portion, a plug portion having seating means complementary to the seat, one of said portions being connected to one of said coupling conduits, a casing surrounding the fluid flow control means, means connecting the casing to the plug portion for imparting a movement to the plug to and from the seat upon bodily rotation of the casing whereby fluid flow is controlled, and flexible bellows sealing means secured to and enclosing the relatively movable seat and plug members.

3. A fluid flow control member comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and fluid flow control means therebetween, said fluid flow control means including a seat portion, a plug portion having seating means complementary to the seat, a casing surrounding the fluid flow control means, a means connecting the casing to one of the seat and plug portions for imparting a movement to the plug to and from the seat upon bodily rotation of the casing whereby fluid flow is controlled, and a flexible sealing skirt housed by said casing and having its ends secured to the relatively movable plug and seat portions.

4. A fluid flow control member comprising a pair of spaced open ended coupling conduits, a casing inter-connecting the conduits and journalled for rotation thereon, a fluid control mechanism including a valve seat within the casing and in communication with the conduits to controlfluid flow therethrough, the valve seat being secured in communication with one of the coupling members, a valve member movable to and from the seat, said valve member having a second seat joined thereto, a second valve positioned to engage the secondseat, the second valve being axially movable to and from the second seat, operating means connecting the casing with the second valve for opening and closing movement thereof by bodily rotation of the casing, and means for actuating said valve member after a predetermined opening movement of said second valve.

5. A fluid flow control member comprising a pair of open ended coupling conduits, and fluid flow control means therebetween, said fluid flow control means including a seat portion, a plug portion having seating means complementary to the seat, one of said portions being connected to one of said coupling conduits, a casing surrounding the fluid'flow. control means, means connecting the casing to the plug portion for imparting a movement to the plug to and from the seat upon bodily rotation of the casing whereby fluid flow is controlled, flexible bellows sealing means secured to and enclosing the relatively movable seat and plug portions, and additional flexible bellows sealing means connecting the fluid flow control means to the other of said coupling conduits.

DAVIS C. KIRBY, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Aller NOV. 13, 1942 

